First of all, keep your mind open to other
possibilities. Don’t settle for the first person that comes your way,
and don’ t think that just because you’ve had coffee
with them this means you should marry them. It might happen
that you fall for your first date, but don’t limit yourself
to being with the first person you go out with.
Secondly, don’t assume that just because they say they
are Christian they believe the same way that you do. Discuss
beliefs and make sure that both of you have the same feelings
about issues that are very important. Remember that the Christian
dating scene can incorporate people with all different kinds
of beliefs. Make sure that yours matches before you go father.
Thirdly, remember not to date someone who wants you to change
who you are. This is important in all aspects of dating. Someone
who decides that you are not good enough and must change is
not incorporating the true Christian values and you shouldn’t
date them.
Fourth, listen to your friends and family. Sometimes when
you start to date someone you might not recognize certain things
about them or behaviors about them. If your friends and family
don’t like someone, there is probably a reason. Ask them
to explain what they don’t like about the person you
are dating to you, and be sure that you listen to them.
Fifth, don’t date someone who asks you to do something
that is against any of your beliefs. This should be a rule
in all dating, but in Christian dating it is very important
because your beliefs should be at the basis of your dating
life, and they shouldn’t be compromised for anyone.
Sixth, be sure that you know the person and their friends
and family well before you begin to date someone seriously.
Their friends and family compromise a lot about who they are,
and you should know them before you are seriously involved
with someone. If your date won’t introduce you to their
friends or family, keep your eye out because something might
be wrong.
Seventh, be sure that you are always honest with your Christian
dating. Never tell a lie and be sure that you know they are
being honest as well. Honesty is the basis of any good relationship,
and it should be the basis of all of your Christian dating.
Eighth, talk about things with your Christian date. Ask them
how they feel about certain issues and have a conversation.
Remember that if it is an issue that isn’t the most important
thing in your life, you don’t always need to agree on
everything, but you do need to be able to talk about it between
yourselves, even if you have different viewpoints.
Ninth, discuss things like sex and marriage before you get
to the point where it becomes an issue. Make your date aware
of your personal beliefs and leave it at that. If someone won’t
date you because of a way you personally believe, you probably
aren’t going to want to be with that person for the long
term.
And finally, have fun! Remember that Christian dating is something
that should be the beginning of a great phase in your life.
Enjoy yourself and allow yourself to have fun with your dates.
This time in your life is all about exploring who you are in
the presence of others. |